December is here and the holidays have officially arrived! Often marked by memories and merriment, the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s can also be incredibly stress filled. Schedules are jam-packed with parties. Errands occur on a non-stop loop. Festive treat-baking is an expectation. All of these extra seasonal activities can be meaningful and lovely, but they don’t leave a lot of time for relaxing.

Want to know the perfect holiday refuge? A beautiful master bathroom. Think about it; the bathroom is a private, intimate, often solitary place. You already spend a considerable amount of time there each day, why not build in a little breathing room around the holidays for extra soothing bubbles baths? If baths aren’t your style, maybe your me-time is taking longer showers while enjoying a favorite podcast? Or perhaps you add a simple rotation of stretches to your morning routine? It doesn’t matter what you choose, as long as it helps keep you centered and mindful in the midst of the holiday hustle!

Designing a custom home is all about creating your version of everyday luxury. We cannot think of a better place to define what that means than in one of your home’s most functional spaces. The best part? Whatever a relaxing master suite looks like is completely up to you! There are zero rules in this game, no hidden agenda or dictated requirements. (Unlike that corporate holiday party that you’re dreading having to attend.) From soaking tubs to rain showers, our clients tastes truly run the gamut. Feast your eyes on some of our favorite swoon-worthy master baths below!

Interior design trends are certainly a reflection of their time. From shag carpets to wood paneling, pastel appliances to subway tile, each era’s major style touchstones are products of that culture. When it comes to modern interior design trends, there’s no doubt that the kitchen is the current epicenter. Why the kitchen? One only needs to look at the rise of chef influenced pop-culture for the answer. Food Network, cooking blogs, magazines, and Pinterest are all thriving hives of culinary inspiration!

It’s no wonder then that chef-worthy upgrades are popping up in more and more home kitchens. Today’s serious home chef is no culinary novice. It makes perfect sense that they crave kitchens that keep up with their level of skill! If your space is feeling ill-equipped to match your ambitions, read on below to discover our favorite chef-style, kitchen upgrades!

Ambitious Islands. We cannot sing the praises of well-planned islands enough – they’re the perfect catch-all kitchen space! Whether you need space for food prep, hidden appliances, organized storage, or a buffet area for hosting; islands are your best bet.

Designated Areas. Mimic the masters on this one and design your kitchen with different task-specific areas in mind. For example, if your island is veggie chopping central, then equip it with what you’ll need. Install a small sink for rinsing produce, store your knives and cutting boards there, and make sure the trash is handy for scraps!

Smart Storage. A classic hallmark of any restaurant kitchen is open, easy-access cookware storage. Whether you implement open shelves or hanging pots and pans, these simple solutions keep your tools at your reach when they’re most needed!

Personal Touches. If you’re going to the trouble of designing a state-of-the-art kitchen, then make sure it suits your needs. If you’re a master baker, then splurge on double ovens. If pasta is your passion, then install a stovetop faucet. If hosting is your jam, then go all-out on a custom bar. Do what works for you and your lifestyle!

The humble hearth has a long history of being the centerpiece of the home. Originally a necessity for heating and cooking, modern fireplaces have transformed from a basic need to more of a statement piece. All homes, with the rare exception, come equipped with central heating systems these days. Yet the fireplace remains the benchmark for creating cozy family spaces. It’s the quintessential welcoming backdrop.

There’s just a certain magic about being around a real fire. Nothing is more soothing than listening to crackling wood and watching dancing flames as a bonfire smell tinges the air. Fireplaces invite us to slow down, to settle in for a while and simply enjoy time spent in good company.

Fireplaces are not only a classic gathering place, they’re also an opportunity to showcase your unique taste, family memories, and treasured heirlooms. While the mantel is a time-honored design element, contemporary iterations run the gamut of all interior design styles! Browse through a collection of our favorite stunning client mantelpieces below. No matter the style, each of these fireplaces is a captivating design focal point!

The most wonderful time of the year is finally here – no, we don’t mean the winter holidays – we’re talking about fall football season. Professional football lasts for just 5 short months each season, which means that each chance to cheer for the home team should be enjoyed to the fullest!

Tailgate crowds and 50 yard line seats may not be realistic every week, however, that doesn’t mean game days at home can’t be something special too. Instead of fighting traffic or packing into noisy sports bars, a growing number of our clients are creating custom hosting hubs in their homes!

These stunning lower-levels all incorporate the best aspects of a game day atmosphere, but in vastly more comfortable settings. From plush seating to stocked bars, easy-to-view screen in every corner to cozy fireplaces – we’re hard pressed to think of anyone who wouldn’t love huddling in for the big game in one of these welcoming spaces!

The Fall Parade of Homes tour is in full swing, which means it’s time to catch a glimpse of another one of our stunning model homes! Our second parade home is nestled in the booming Woodbury community. This spacious, open-concept home is a busy family’s dream come true from top to bottom!

The main level is filled with flexible living spaces, which are all anchored by the modern great room. Moving up, the top floor features a gorgeous master suite, a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, and a princess bathroom, along with walk-in closets for each bedroom. The lowest level is all about entertaining with style! This walkout hosting hub includes a game room, snack bar, walk-up bar, and a family room with a cozy corner fireplace. Overflowing with space, the lower level is finished with a fifth bedroom, bathroom, and an exercise room.

Located in our retreat-like Twenty-One Oaks development, this fantastic neighborhood boasts top-notch amenities such as the shared community pool and clubhouse area. Don’t miss out on this luxurious, family-friendly home! Want to see more? Scroll through the images below, and make sure to come visit Home #251 in person!

The summer is all about relaxation. Families hit pause on the routine and spend more time simply enjoying each other’s company. The to-do list is tossed aside, work can wait; summer was made for taking things slow. Lingering over lemonade and good conversation on the porch is an afternoon well spent. Kids giggle way past their bedtime as they roast marshmallows under the stars. Lasting memories can be made anywhere, but creating intentional gathering spaces makes more room for these moments in your everyday life. If you’re thinking about adding an outdoor oasis to your home this summer, consider the following tips before you get started.

1. Define Your Happy Place. We hope this goes without saying, but what’s relaxing to someone else might not be ideal for you. Creating your own outdoor, or partially indoor getaway (screens = no bugs!), is all about tailoring a space to your unique family. Whether you’re looking for a place to host hopping pool parties or a serene garden retreat, you should feel empowered to design a space that makes you feel happy, relaxed, and at peace.

2. Set the Tone. Once you’ve honed in on what kind of outdoor space you need, it’s time collect pieces that will help set the tone. For a porch designed for relaxation decorate the room with warm candles and outfit chairs with cozy pillows and throws. If your space is exposed to the elements, then focus on finding rustic pieces that can withstand a little weather and won’t show damage easily. Curate furniture and accessories around the vibe you want the area to project; whether you’re about barefoot hammock lounging or elegant candlelit dinner parties.

3. Plan Around Guests. One of the biggest factors to consider when planning any space is whether or not it will host guests regularly. Porches, decks, and bonfire pits are often built with dual purposes, however intentionally planning your space will be a huge asset for entertaining without a hitch! For example, if you know the deck is where you’ll host epic neighborhood BBQ’s, then you might prioritize creating a defined serving space, ample seating, eating surfaces, and leave plenty of room for mingling freely.

4.Keep it Simple. Furnishings on decks, porches, and patios are not the place to get too fancy. Certainly find pieces that suit your style, but don’t fret too much over nailing the perfect look, after all, this furniture is sitting outside. Concentrate your energy more on landscaping and custom built spaces – things that will hold up under the elements. Go ahead and splurge on that recessed, hand paved fire pit. Just don’t fuss too much on the chairs surrounding it, you may need to replace them next summer anyway!

First impressions are lasting, and our grand Woodbury Artisan Home was designed to be remembered.

Please join us this Friday for the Craft Beer Night on the Artisan Tour. Stop by and visit us at Artisan Home #5 and sample some of the best craft beers from Flat Earth Brewing Company.

Home #5
7592 Glen Alcove
Woodbury, MN 55129

Woodbury just got a little grander with the addition of this elegant European chateau by Custom One Homes. A true Artisan residence, the classic design welcomes family and guests alike, with graceful triple arches framing a dramatic front entry. Oval, arch-top and gridded windows echo the entryway, while stone and stucco lend authenticity.

• 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, 7,014 square feet, two double garages, one separated by porte-cochere for added architectural interest
• Stunning arched wood and iron double door entry system with Tuscany hardware finishes the front porch beautifully
• Even more welcoming interest at the front entry with a medallion inlay surrounded by Acacia wood flooring
• Molding inspired detailed library with eye-catching black enameled finish
• Five uniquely designed custom fireplaces, each with exquisite finishes
• Delightful specialty ceiling details throughout the home’s living areas
• Soft gray glazed cabinetry, granite counter tops, gourmet appliances, spacious pantry and custom upholstered built-in bench make this a kitchen not to miss
• Expansive outdoor living spaces with composite decking and aluminum railings, plus gorgeous porch with fireplace and enclosed with EZ Breeze window system
• Owners’ bedroom with dual dream bath retreat and shared steam shower plus custom finished cabinetry
• Even more exciting spaces designed into this one-of-a-kind dream home: golf room, exercise area, wine cellar, theater and children’s bedroom wing with study area

Custom One Homes is proud to take part in this event by the same folks who bring you the Parade of Homes, the Builders Association of the Twin Cities.

About Craft Beer Night on the Artisan Tour